Shillai – Discover an Offbeat Gem in Sirmaur Hills

Introduction

Looking for a hidden gem in Himachal that’s untouched by commercial tourism? Welcome to Shillai—a quiet mountain town perched at around 6,000 feet in the Sirmaur district. Far from the tourist chaos of Manali or Shimla, Shillai offers raw Himalayan beauty, pine forests, winding roads, and the soulful calm of village life.

If you’re into offbeat travel, photography, nature walks, or just want a peaceful break—Shillai is underrated and unforgettable.

Shillai – An Offbeat Escape in the Mountains of Sirmaur, Himachal

Location & Accessibility

Detail	Info
District	Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh
Elevation	~6,000 ft (1,830 meters)
Nearest Big Town	Paonta Sahib (~100 km)
Nearest Railway	Dehradun (~130 km)
Nearest Airport	Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport)

Roads from Nahan, Paonta Sahib, and Chopal (Shimla side) lead to Shillai
Some stretches are narrow but scenic

Why Visit Shillai?

🌲 Untouched Natural Beauty

Surrounded by dense deodar and pine forests
Winding trails ideal for long walks or meditation
Fresh mountain air and zero urban noise

🏡 Rural Himachali Culture

Get a taste of authentic village life
Locals are warm, welcoming, and proud of their heritage
Try home-cooked meals if you stay in local homestays

📸 Perfect for Photography

Panoramic views of lower Himalayan ranges
Great light during sunrise/sunset
Wildflowers, grazing cattle, and fog-filled valleys

Must-See Places in & Around Shillai

Attraction	Highlights
Rama Temple	Ancient Shiva temple with great views
Banaur	Scenic village with traditional homes
Kamrau Valley	Pine-covered hills and untouched beauty
Loharghat Ridge	Perfect for short hikes & picnic spots
Renuka Ji (En route)	Stopover for spiritual connection

Best Activities in Shillai

Forest walks & picnics
Village photography
Star gazing (zero light pollution)
Reading & journaling in silence
Weekend digital detox (mobile signal is patchy!)

Where to Stay

Type	Example
Budget Guest Houses	Basic lodges in town market area
Local Homestays	Ask locals – warm, clean, authentic
Mid-range Hotels	Few options available, pre-booking helps

🔑 There’s no luxury—but there’s peace.

Food to Try

Siddu – steamed wheat dumplings
Madra – local lentil-based curry
Chai & Paratha – simple, fulfilling mountain breakfast
Home-cooked Rajma-Chawal

Best Time to Visit

Season	What to Expect
March–June	Pleasant weather, perfect for hiking
July–Sept	Monsoon brings misty beauty
Oct–Dec	Clear skies, great for photography
Jan–Feb	Light snowfall, chilly but magical

🧥 Pack warm clothes—even summer nights get cold.

Travel Tips

Fuel up before you reach—no major petrol pumps
Mobile signals (Jio & BSNL work better)
ATM availability is limited—carry cash
Wear trekking shoes or sandals with grip
Respect local customs & keep noise low

Ideal For…

Writers, artists, and solo travelers seeking inspiration
Couples looking for a peaceful retreat
Backpackers on an offbeat Himachal loop
Eco-conscious tourists avoiding mass tourism zones

Summary

Shillai is not for checklist tourists—it’s for those who want to experience stillness, untouched nature, and local simplicity. It’s where you can hear the wind whisper through trees, watch clouds roll across peaks, and feel the rhythm of slow living.